The good news is that Top Gear is coming. The bad news is that Top Gear is coming.

Rather than do something sensible and import the series as-is with some re-recorded new material (like that nefarious Derren Brown-type person) but the same hosts, they're going to try and do an American version. Which has been a successful ploy for The Office and... um... hmm. Oh well. Just The Office. Oh sure, there were others, but I think you have to go back to Sanford and Son to find another. And yes, I'm excluding game shows from that snide remark.

Anyway, here's what they have to say for themselves:

"Since its revival over five years ago, the UK show has been a phenomenal success. The bar has been set so high, that replicating it will be the challenge -- one we truly relish," said Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President Content and Production for BBC Worldwide Americas. "Casting is well underway and we are confident that Americans will fall in love with the attitude and irreverent spirit of 'Top Gear.'"

Americans already have. That's why the guys' ill-fated trip through Alabama went viral and everybody over here talks about it. But it's those guys in the picture that really make it work.

When we were hoping the strike would force the networks to import some quality TV from Britain, this isn't exactly what we had in mind. Anyway, full press release after the break. Read it and weep.

[[ Press release follows ]]